John Barnes outlines what Mario Gotze link suggests about Liverpool's approach in the transfer market

The Reds legend believes that reports linking Gotze with a move to Anfield are indicative of the "quality over quantity" approach Jurgen Klopp will take.

Liverpool legend John Barnes has told FootballFanCast that the reports linking the club with the signing of World Cup-winner Mario Gotze show that Jurgen Klopp will look to bring in quality rather than quantity during the summer transfer window.

Speculation in recent days has intensified that Klopp will look to bring Gotze, whom he managed and nurtured to stardom at Borussia Dortmund, to Anfield as a marquee signing this summer.

A capture of the 23-year-old would be a huge coup for the Reds, who look unlikely to have any European football on the horizon next season to use as a baited hook for potential targets.

Gotze, who scored the winning goal for Germany in the World Cup final two years ago, thrived under Klopp at Dortmund but has not experienced much joy at Bayern Munich this season, having made just 14 appearances after falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola after injury.

Barnes is unsure whether a move for the star will come off for Liverpool, but insisted that their serious interest in signing the midfielder is indicative of the approach that Klopp will take in the transfer market this summer.

The 52-year-old told FootballFanCast: "I think they are going to go for quality over quantity, regardless of whether they get Gotze or not. Of course Gotze is a very, very good player, even if he plays in a position that Liverpool don’t need to significantly strengthen.

"Liverpool are at the stage now that if any quality player becomes available, they should go for him. Even if they play in a position they don’t need, if they have the quality to improve the team it makes sense. Klopp knows the kind of players he wants.

"I know that Liverpool are not going to get the players Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich want, so the players they’ll get are the ones Klopp knows and are realistic. I trust Klopp to make the right decision."

Klopp is expected to implement a significant overhaul of Liverpool's squad this summer in his first pre-season as Reds manager as he looks to shape the club in his own mould.

He has already secured the signing of defender Joel Matip from Schalke, and there is likely to be something of a revolving door at Melwood as he attempts to increase the general level of quality at the club.

Tom Nightingale

After starting to write about football due to lack of any great ability on the pitch, Tom is an NCTJ-qualified sports reporter who has written for Swansea City, the Birmingham Mail, and numerous other publications. An avid Aston Villa fan, he still hasn't got over them not turning up in the 2015 FA Cup final.